Norton, Andre - Huon of the horn

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/. WHICH TELLETH HOW KING
CHARLEMAGNE SUMMONED THE
PEERS OF FRANCE
Now it chanced that in those grim and sorrowful
days which came to the court and land of France
after the death of Roland and the other noble
dukes and brave lords who fell with him in that
last great battle against the Saracens, King Char-
lemagne was driven to think much of the future
of his realm. And sober and stern were his
thoughts because of the evil which might befall
his people now that these great heroes were gone
from amongst them.
Thus he was moved to summon unto his court
all the paramount lords and peers yet living, that
he might take council with them concerning
France in the days to come. But of the mighty
Twelve who had once upheld his throne there was
left only the Duke Naymes of Bauyer.
To his counsel would the King ever listen, for
Duke Haymes had been comrade-in-arms, shield-
9
mate and cup-brother to those who had gone—
Roland and Oliver and Ogier the Dane and all the
rest of the great ones.
When all the peers and lords were assembled
before him, King Charlemagne spoke out that
thought which was his constant fear, namely:
"Full sorry and bereft is this kingdom, for its
fairest and greatest knights lie ravens' meat in
the mountain passes. No longer doth Roland sit
among you, or Oliver lift his voice in wise counsel.
And I am an old man, worn thin by hard years.
"What will chance with France and with those
within her borders when I lay down sword and
crown at Death's bidding? This is the question I
would now have you answer for me.
"Name you now my successor, for time hangs
like a heavy cloak about my shoulders and this
crown, which was but a featherweight in the days
of my youth, is now a circle of lead wearing griev-
ously upon my white head.
"Aye, I have two sons. But neither one can I
with a clear conscience bring before you and say,
"This is he who shall sit on the throne in my room.'
"For the younger, Louis, is still but a stripling
in years, untried and unproven, and so no king
for a troubled age. As for the elder. Chariot—a
bringer of sorrow has he already been in times
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past. Did he not give freedom to his red temper
and strike down the son of Ogier, thus near calling
ruin upon us all? Therefore, if you think it well
to set aside Chariot, although I do love him well,
I shall not say you nay. For a kingdom is like unto
a new-broke stallion, a firm and knowing hand
must hold the guiding rein.
10
"Now among yourselves do you ponder this
matter and your words shall be my will."
Having so spoken the King withdrew into an
inner chamber and the peers glanced uneasily at
one another, no man wishing to speak before his
neighbor lest his words be thought foolish and of
small merit.
But Duke Naymes, having reason to fear no
man there, arose then and spoke, all listening to
him.
"Since our Lord King hath laid this task upon
us let us acquit ourselves as becomes peers of
France. The King hath spoken truly concerning
Prince Louis. He is but a youth who hath never
been put to the test, nor has he yet known the
weight of mail, or held a full course against the
enemy in the open field. Therefore he is no proper
leader for knights in war, nor does he yet have
the full wisdom of a man.
"But Prince Chariot is of greater years and hath
held his place in battle. True, he hath done much
that was foolish and devil, but how does a man
leam wisdom, save through the sharpness of his
own wrongdoing? And perhaps the Prince hath
long since learned the errors of his hot-tempered
youth and now governs himself as befits a knight
of honor. Also, he is of the true blood of kings and
if we now set him aside there will be no peace in
the land when King Charlemagne is dead. For
there will be those who will follow Chariot to the
death and we shall have brother against brother
and father against son in unnatural war. It will
end in the ruin of us all.
"Therefore I now say and urge upon you all, my
11
lords, choose Chariot to come after the king so
that our future may be one of peace."
The peers and lords were well pleased at this
advice, for the truth of the Duke's words was plain,
even to the slowest of wit among them. So they
sent one of their number to wait upon the King
with the knowledge that they had made their
choice. And he straightway returned to the council
chamber.
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Duke Haymes then spake aloud the will of the
peers—namely, that Prince Chariot be king after
his father. And King Charlemagne was well
pleased and more merry than he had been for
many a long day. For greatly did he love his son
and he was proud that the peers would choose
Chariot who, for his sins in the past, was much
hated in the land.
Now among the lords in council was one, Earl
Amaury, who was of the same black traitor blood
as that twice-damned villain Gannelon (he who
betrayed Roland and his fellow knights to their
deaths). And this Amaury was as foul a rogue as
Gannelon himself. But he was also fair efface and
pleasant of voice, very courteous to those who
could serve him in some wise. So was the depth
of his evil soul hidden to most men and Charle-
magne had made him governor to Prince Chariot.
Only one of the great lords had ever suspected
that it was Amaury who had taught the young
Prince much of the wickedness which he practiced.
And that lord was Duke Sevin who ruled wisely
and well the rich duchies of Bordeaux and Aqui-
taine. Although Sevin was dead these many years,
Amaury's hate for him was so great that even
death could not still it and, since he could not
12
attack Sevin, he planned revenge against the
Duke's two young sons, Huon and Gerard. These
youths he swore secretly to bring to ruin and
shameful death.
With this deep in his snake-brain, he arose now
and, smiling as he ever did, addressed the King,
saying:
"Lord King, young men must learn many things
in this hard world and he who would rule a king-
dom hath doubly much to master. Therefore, while
you are yet amongst us to advise and oversee him,
let Prince Chariot be given a dukedom to hold,
that he may learn to govern the larger in the
smaller."
The King nodded at the wit in this, as did the
other peers. But Duke Naymes drummed with his
nails upon the broad arm of his chair, for he had
been friend to Duke Sevin and had heard much
from him concerning the foulness of Amaury. So
that now he suspected a wrong in the making.
"There is," Amaury, encouraged by the King's
smiles, continued, "a fair duchy, rich and mighty,
meet for any prince, which is forfeit to Your Maj-
esty because of the rash rebellion of its natural
lords. Let this be given now to Prince Chariot for
his testing."
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King Charlemagne showed open surprise, for
he could not remember any rebel duchy. And he
asked:
"Name you this Duke who is rebel against us."
Amaury replied readily and openly enough:
"My Lord King, I speak of Bordeaux which is
forfeit to Your Grace, since Huon and his brother
Gerard who now rule there have not come to your
court to do homage for their lands—as is your will
13
and the law of France. Duke Sevin, their father,
is long dead, and yet never have their faces been
seen among your lords."
Then did Duke Naymes rise up in such haste
as to nigh overturn his chair of state. Black with
anger was his face and hot his voice as he made
answer:
"The truth of this matter is otherwise, Lord
King. When Sevin, who was much loved amongst
us and for good cause, departed into Paradise, his
sons were but green youths, untried in judgment
or battle. And in their names the Duchess Aclis
hath ruled these many years. Greatly did she love
Sevin and greatly does she love these sons of his
who are much like him as he was in the days of
his first youth. Therefore she cannot bear that
they go from her or that they be placed in any
risk. So have they not yet come to court by reason
of their tender years and their mother's great love
for them—and not because of any willful rebellion
against Your Grace. In proof of my words—send
now to Bordeaux and summon these two!"
As Naymes spoke, King Charlemagne remem-
bered well Duke Sevin and bethought himself that
the sons of such a worthy father could not be
judged rebels without good cause. So he called to
him two trusty knights and laid these commands
upon them:
"Go you now to the city of Bordeaux and there
seek out the sons of Duke Sevin and his lady, the
Duchess Aclis. And in my name bid them come
to court that they may do homage and be con-
firmed in their father's lands according to the laws
of France. Mark you well how they make you wel-
come and whether they pay you the full honors
14
becoming those who carry the king's words. A
then return hither at all speed and report how;
were received."
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And the knights rode with their men for E
deaux but Earl Amaury's hate grew even hoi
against Huon and his brother and he went av
to plot in secret for their undoing.
15
II. HOW HUON RECEIVED THE KING'S
COMMAND AND AMAURY PLOTTED
HIS RUIN
When those knights who played herald at the or-
der of the King reached the fair and pleasant city
of Bordeaux they rode straight to the Keep of that
city where lived and held court the Duchess Aclis
and her sons. And these same youthful lords had
but that hour returned from the chase so that they
stood yet in the courtyard, each bearing upon his
wrist his gerfalcon, hooded and jessed.
But when the King's men made known their
presence Huon did come forward to greet them in
great eagerness and with his own hand did he hold
the stirrup of the eldest knight for his dismount-
ing, showing him the courtesy which he would
have paid to the King himself. Right pleasantly
too did the Duchess Aclis and Lord Gerard wel-
come them, receiving them with all honors, so that
the knights were much pleased, saying privately
to one another:
"Were our Lord King here these lords of Bor-
deaux could show him no better greeting than
they have given to us."
When they had refreshed themselves from their
journey and could want no comfort, then did Huon
ask of them their business and why Charlemagne
had so sent them to Bordeaux. And the eldest
made reply for them all:
"It is the will of our lord and dread master, King
Charlemagne of France, that the sons of Duke
Sevin come unto him and join his court that they
may be made known unto their brother peers and
confirmed in their lands as is the law."
The Duchess Aclis hastened to make answer,
saying:
"If our Lord King hath now any fault to find
with my dear sons because they have not sought
his court before, let the full weight of his just an-
ger fall upon me. When my gracious lord. Duke
Sevin, departed from me into the realm beyond
our stars, he left me desolate and fearful, with but
infants to comfort me. In their childish faces I saw
ever my lord and I could not bear that they should
go out of my keeping, even for the space of an
hour. But now that they are men grown—though
still of tender years—I can no longer rule their
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lives by a woman's jealous fears. Let them but
wait until after the Easter season so that once
more we may celebrate together the Rising of Our
Lord Jesu, and I shall surrender them to the King
so that they may become his men in all things,
even as was their noble father."
17
Huon arose then, his comely face shining with
pride and pleasure, and said to'the King's mes-
sengers:
"Go then to our Lord King and say unto him
that we are much honored by his commands and
shall speedily set forth to appear at his court,
obeying only this last wish of our lady mother,
that we celebrate the Rising of Christ by her side.
Take you also, in remembrance of this meeting,
these coursers of the Orkney breed—may they
bear you faithfully and well into the heart of bat-
tle or over the roads of peace—and with them take
also the knights' cloaks which hang upon their
saddles and the purses looped therewith. For to
the messengers of a King no man can do too much
honor."
Then were the King's knights indeed amazed,
for such costly gifts were the largess of a great
lord. And with great joy they did put on the fine
silken cloaks of deep crimson and mount the war
stallions. Many thanks did they say before they
rode again through the gates of Bordeaux.
And when they returned to the King's court !
they spoke together and severally concerning ,;
Huon and his brother and the open-handed Duch- |
ess. Too much praise they could not give to the
lords and lady of Bordeaux.
"Lord Huon," said the eldest knight, "is even
yet but a slender stripling but he is princelike in
his courtesy and fine speaking. He is the most
comely of face and person, the finest lording, that
I have seen within the borders of France since our
beloved Roland was a youth. And his brother Ger-
ard is like unto him, though not as mighty a war-
rior as yet, being slighter of person and younger
ia
of years. Greatly do the twain of them honor Your
Grace and much eagerness to come to you do they
show, staying only with their mother until after
the Eastertide that they may obey her last re-
quest."
His messengers then showed the King the
princely gifts which had been made them and he
was astonished and greatly pleased to see such
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honor shown to his knights. So he did vow before
the assembled lords and peers:
"In the days which are now long past Duke
Sevin of Bordeaux was cup-brother and sword-
mate to us and he was loved even as a brother of
our own blood. Worthy was he of all good will and
high honor and now it seems that he hath left
behind him on this earth two sons bred of his spirit
as well as of his flesh. For as this young Lord
Huon hath treated my messengers, so did his
father render homage in the old days to those to
whom honor was due.
"Such young lords will be ornaments to our as-
semblage. And I do swear that when they come
hither Huon shall be proclaimed a peer of France,
even as he will be confirmed in his holding of
Bordeaux and Aquitaine. And Gerard shall be
made a member of our own household to his ad-
vancement."
All the lords and peers agreed with the King's
words—save Amaury, who, seeing such a sorry
end to his hopes of ruin for Sevin's sons, knew that
he must plot anew. And in his dark mind an evil
plan began to grow.
He hurried from the council hall of the King
into the apartments- of Prince Chariot where he
found the King's son dallying at ease with some
young knights and squires of his following. And
there Amaury did fling himself on his knees before
the Prince, to clutch at Chariot's cloak and cry
aloud for justice.
The Prince, much amazed at Amaury's outcry,
did send the others from him and demand that the
Earl tell him the cause of such distracted actions.
Then did Amaury display the blackness of his
heart in the words of his crooked mouth.
"Know you, Prince Chariot, your father, de-
ceived by false enemies, is bringing hither to court
that traitor Huon of Bordeaux and his brother
Gerard. And our King promises to bestow upon
Huon the duchies of Bordeaux and Aquitaine
which should be rightfully yours. While Gerard
the King promises to take into his household
where he may secretly work all manner of ill. Once
here at court they will work against your Grace,
for this Huon and his brother come of bad stock
and me they hate so that they will even seek to
injure you—since you have played my friend—
bringing ruin upon the man through his master.
So do I warn you now, Prince Chariot, if these
twain enter into this court black evil will come
with them and none—even the highest—shall be
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safe from their wickedness."
Now was Chariot alarmed at the words of
Amaury for in his heart he knew well that he was
not well beloved in France and that many of the
lords hated him for his ill deeds of the past. So,
should Huon and Gerard come to work against
him secretly, they would find many to listen to
them. Thus, with all his fears and hate aroused,
Chariot prayed Amaury to tell him what to do to
20
defend himself against these brothers from Bor-
deaux.
And Amaury advised Chariot to arm and horse
divers of his men and meet secretly with him,
Amaury, without the city that they might arrange
to deal with Huon and Gerard before they reached
the King's court. Eagerly enough Chariot agreed.
21
HI. HOW AMAURY AND CHARLOT DID
LIE IN AMBUSH AND WHAT CHANCED
THEREFROM
"The feast of Easter being over Huon and Gerard
did prepare to keep their promise to the King.
Choosing from among their men divers knights
and squires, they did clothe them anew from helm
to spur with cunningly made armor that they
might make a goodly sight at court. But Huon and
Gerard donned no mail, nor did the younger
brother even buckle sword belt about him. For
they were minded to journey in peace and safety
under the protection of the King.
Huon, however, did put on him that sword belt
wrought of fine silver and gold which Duke Sevin
had worn in war and peace, and from it did hang
that good blade, forged far across the seas in the
unknown Easter lands by Demons of the Night
(or so said the simple folk of the country) which
Sevin had swung in battle ofttimes before—to
22
King Charlemagne's great gain. But of body ar-
mor Huon had none, only went at ease in tunic
and cloak.
Duchess Aclis wept full sore to see her sons
depart thus from Bordeaux. For never since their
hour of birth had the twain not been where her
eye might sight upon them and now her heart
misgave her strangely, for she had secretly dwelt
upon all those evils which might chance while
Huon and Gerard were apart from her. But of this
she said naught lest she shadow the brightness
of their adventure and she hid her many tears
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behind her veil.
Gerard did not ride so boldly forth from the
gate, nor did he spur his horse into the freshness
of the morning beyond the city. Rather did he am-
ble soberly at the pace of one who goes unwillingly
upon a disliked errand so that Huon must needs
rein back to company him. And when his brother
laughingly chid him for his snail-like creeping,
Gerard surprised Huon beyond measure with a
breathless answer:
"Brother, I fear me that no good will come to
either of us from this venture. Let us back to Bor-
deaux and that speedily!"
Loud indeed then did Huon laugh, and cry that
his brother was a babe and already crying for his
mother's arms. But Gerard showed no anger at
this taunt. Rather he turned once more and gazed
with great longing at the towers and walls of Bor-
deaux.
"Evil lies before us," he continued. "Aye, great
evil comes of this journey. Last night I did dream
that I rode on this same highway and out of the
bushes there did spring upon us a raging leopard
23
his jaws agape with hunger. Me he did bear to
earth and rend with dripping fangs so that my
soul was driven from my body and I was dead. But
you, my brother, escaped his fury. So plain was
my dream that I do deem it a warning sent from
Heaven that we should not travel on this
way—" r
But Huon shook his head. "More likely it be an
omen sent by the Devil to tempt us from our duty
to the King, so that we will break our pledged
word. See—this day is fair and the countryside
most good to look upon. Our road is smooth before
us and behind ride twenty good knights and
squires to serve us well. Put aside your foolish
fears, Gerard, they are but shadows and no fit
musing for a grown knight."
So Gerard spoke no more. But in his heart he
knew anger against his brother, that Huon would
so easily dismiss his warning. And he thought
that long had it been thus, that Huon, bold and
fearless and taking little heed for the future, had
set aside the cautions of his younger brother. Yet
Huon was loved and praised by all and he, Gerard,
was deemed a youngling, not to be given serious
heed.
Before nightfall they met with the worthy Ab-
bot of Cluny who was also on his way to court.
And both the brothers were most glad to see him,
for he was their well-beloved uncle. So did they
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join their party to his and that night all lay to-
gether in friendship at an abbey he chose to visit.
Again in the morning, after breaking their fast,
they rode on together and all went very well with
them until they reached the top of a hill and could
see where the road wound down into the leafy lip
24
of a wood. Huon pulled back his mount and those
with him, wondering at his act, did likewise.
Then he pointed out to the company certain
flashes of light among the trees below—as if men
clad in mail moved there. And so the party hesi-
tated, not knowing what lay before them, hidden
in that wood.
Since they were not men of war, the Abbot and
his monks and laymen withdrew to the side of the
road, and the churchman spoke frankly to Huon,
saying:
"Fair sir, I and all my followers are men of peace
and good will. If evil men lie in ambush before us,
surely they must mean ill to you who ride with
armor on your backs and swords at your sides.
Therefore, since of war I can have no part, we
needs must separate here and go our several ways.
For if I shed blood, even in the defending of my
own, I have committed black sin. But you are a
man of strife and bred to conflict."
And, as the Abbot was speaking so, out of the
trees below a Knight, masked by the lowered visor
of his helmet, spurred his horse to that he now
barred the path of all who would come down the
hill. There he sat silently waiting.
After looking upon this barrier of knight and
horse most closely, Huon said to his brother:
"There is no reason for either of us to fear aught
of any man living, for we have no quarrels hang-
ing above our heads. You wear no armor, nor do
you bear a sword, so all can see that you ride in
peace with the world. Get you down now, into the
valley and ask of that knight what he would have
of us."
And Gerard obeyed his brother. Coming down
25
into the valley of the wood he reined in his mount
before the silent knight and addressed him boldly.
"Good sir, what do you wish of us who would
quarrel with no man this day? Know you, I am
Gerard of Bordeaux and yonder is my brother
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